The Shields’ Mill Covered Bridge, also known as the Shieldstown Covered Bridge, is a historic Burr arch truss structure crossing the East Fork White River in Jackson County, Indiana. Built in 1876, it was funded by local German farming families and constructed under the leadership of Joseph J. Daniels. The bridge replaced a ferry crossing and served the area’s agricultural community, later linking to recreational sites like Hamilton Grove, the Seymour Elk Club, and Camp Sustus.
The Hamilton Township Bridge Company spearheaded the project, which included two spans supported by a limestone pier and poplar wood arches. The portal features the year “1876” and the names of key contributors. Over the years, the bridge underwent multiple repairs, including the replacement of arch segments, floor beams, and the addition of a metal roof. A five-ton weight limit was imposed in 1925, and the bridge was closed to traffic in 1970, becoming part of Jackson County’s park system.
The bridge was bypassed by a modern concrete structure in 1980, but restoration efforts began in 2006 with federal funding. After delays and challenges in sourcing materials, the restoration was completed in 2018 at a cost of $1.1 million. The bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2016, preserving its place as an important historical landmark.